We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Cruzado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My work ethic is rooted in the values my parents instilled in me. As a child of a navy veteran and the Superintendent of the women’s prison in the Philippines, I learned to be committed, reliable, respectful, and reflective of integrity in all aspects of my life. Although my siblings’ careers in the medical field inspired me to consider nursing, I took a different path. Currently, I work full-time for the County of San Diego, but my ultimate goal is to own a shop.
For now, I enjoy sharing my handmade crafts at local markets and fairs, focusing on creating products that bring joy and are well-made. I prioritize reliability, durability, and respect in all my interactions, believing that ‘a happy customer is a returning customer.’ I strive to maintain integrity by being honest with myself and believing in my craft. These values, combined with the work ethics I’ve developed in my full-time job, shape my approach to my handmade business.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Since childhood, I have consistently demonstrated a strong inclination towards artistic pursuits, engaging in activities such as drawing, sketching, painting, and photography. One notable instance was when I created a painting display of My Melody from the Hello Kitty and Friends franchise using rice at the age of 9 or 10. This experience sparked my interest in exploring various creative outlets. My entry into the world of handmade cards began with a leisurely activity where I crafted personalized greeting cards. The enthusiastic response and suggestions from others encouraged me to diversify my product line, introducing new designs, sizes, and styles. I also developed mini cards and gift card holders, further expanding my offerings.
The decision to incorporate charms into my designs proved to be a pivotal moment, as it led me to consider alternative applications for these items. As my charm collection grew, I began to contemplate potential uses for them, ultimately leading to the launch of my current business. My company specializes in charm-based products, including keychains, purse charms, bookmarks, zipper pulls, ID badge reels, wine charms, and wine stopper corks. I maintain a comprehensive selection of gold and silver charms and chains, supplemented by a diverse array of beads in various materials and colors. Keychains, zipper pulls, and bookmarks are among my top-selling items. The ID badge reels, and wine stopper corks are my newest addition.
Furthermore, I continue to offer handmade cards, which initially sparked my interest in establishing a business.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In my opinion, the three essential qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge are adaptability, communication, and self-awareness. Being adaptable and able to adjust to new situations is vital for business success. I’ve participated in numerous craft shows, and while they can be unpredictable, it’s crucial to maintain a level head and recognize that setbacks don’t define failure. Instead, they offer a chance to learn and refine one’s approach. Identifying one’s ideal customer is also critical, and this can be achieved by observing their responses and engaging with them in a meaningful way.
Communication is key, as people communicate in diverse ways. Being able to read the room, understand one’s audience, and express oneself eloquently are vital skills. Effective communication also plays a crucial role in building strong relationships with other vendors and stakeholders.
Lastly, self-awareness is equally important, as it enables entrepreneurs (like me) to recognize their worth and develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and how these can impact themselves and others. This self-awareness facilitates business growth while allowing for ongoing improvement.
These skills, qualities, and areas of knowledge have been instrumental in my journey, and I would recommend them to anyone starting their own business.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The impact of my parents on my life has been profound, and two specific traits they have instilled in me have played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today.
My mother’s remarkable ability to focus on her goals, whether in her professional pursuits in the Philippines or her roles as a retail clerk and supervising payroll clerk in the US, has been a constant source of motivation. Her exceptional interpersonal skills and empathetic nature have taught me the importance of effective communication and understanding others. She has demonstrated that everyone’s experiences are unique and that being supportive and present for others is crucial.
My father, on the other hand, has taught me the value of resilience and adaptability. He has shown me that acknowledging and learning from mistakes is essential for growth and that treating others with kindness and compassion is vital.
Both of my parents have passed, but the impact they have given, showed me will always be with me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handmade.by.jescruzado?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withlovebyjescruzado?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
No image credit. They were taken by me.
As for my personal pic, it was taken during a vendor event, and I had a friend take that picture.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
